11 Ways to Slow Aging

Anti-Aging Remedies

By Gabrielle Linzer

In a world where young girls thirst for womanhood at the earliest possible ages -- and women over 30 are throwing botox parties -- the window of an "ideal" age is becoming increasingly narrow. Never fear -- we asked the experts how to slow the signs of time. Read on to learn about these 14 ways you can try to look your best, no matter your age.


Human Growth Hormones

Human growth hormones (HGH) are routinely given to help small children grow. So what are full-grown adults doing with it? The scientific explanation is that if natural HGH production decreases with age, injections would have the ability "to improve some measures of body composition, including increased muscle mass, reduced total body fat, improved skin elasticity, and reduced rate of bone demineralization, but without positive effects on strength, functional capacity, or metabolism," according to the American Medical Association. Long term use of HGH, however may contribute to an increased cancer risk, as well as high blood pressure and carpal tunnel syndrome. Although the safety and effectiveness of HGH is pending further studies, some users swear by its restorative capabilities.


Change Your Face- Eyewear, Makeup

A few simple improvements to a dated make-up routine can shave off years. Beauty editor Charla Krupp, author of 'How Not to Look Old,' touts hydrating foundation that will "help plump up lines so they are less visible" and suggests applying lip liner that is a bit lighter than your lips, which "can make them fuller and shapelier." You can also get an insta-eye-lift from your liner. "Start your line at the outer corner about a centimeter above your lashes, ever so slightly upward, then bring it down to the lash line." The right glasses should not be underestimated either. "Upturned frames, like a sexy cat eye, will draw the eye upward and accentuate your cheekbones," says Krupp.


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Hyaluronic Acid Fillers and Collagen Fillers

The days of stretching and lifting our faces are drawing to a close. Hyaluronic acid and collagen fillers are behind the "new look," a plumped-up, pushed-out baby face, adding volumed to sagging, weathered faces. As you age, the collagen in your skin breaks down due to an increased production of enzymes, leaving you more susceptible to bruising, wrinkling and tearing. "Collagen is a key supporting substance," says the University of Michigan (UM) Health System. A 2007 UM Health System study looked at Restylane, a dermal filler, and found it promoted new and limited the breakdown of existing collagen. All this, just twice a year. Maybe the rich and famous aren't so crazy after all.


Botox injections

Who hasn't had Botox injections these days? From top Hollywood stars to the stay-at-home mom down the street, the Botox craze continues to stiffen the faces of countless women. A skilled dermatologist, however, can inject Botox very precisely into the muscle, allowing facial movement in all except one small area. "The treatment is quick and not terribly painful, and the results are visible almost immediately," says Krupp. "Results only last about three to six months, but some doctors claim that if you have regular Botox injections, the results are cumulative, allowing you to go longer between injections until you don't need them anymore."


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Retinoid creams

If you own a TV, no doubt you've been bombarded with commercials for rejuvenating creams, wrinkle-reducing moisturizers and countless other "miracles." What's the truth behind these weighty claims? According to the Harvard Health Publications, skin creams containing retinoid may do the trick. Tretinoin, a popular retinoid better known as Retin-A or Renova, "reduces fine lines and wrinkles by increasing the production of collagen." If you're unable to get your hands on these prescriptions, there are over-the-counter options that "do improve the appearance of photoaged skin." Results appear in about 6 months to a year.


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Chemical peels

A chemical peel, which eliminates the first layer of skin actually reveals the face that lies beneath the surface. There are varying levels of chemical peels, ranging from superficial peels with salicylic acid to deep peels with phenol. These procedures can effectively banish the appearance of wrinkles, scars and age spots, according to the Baylor College of Medicine. Superficial peels are not a one-time procedure; the best result won't come until you've gotten a number of peels. On the upside, they don't require an extended recovery period. For deeper peels, "Recovery may be slow and complete healing may take several months," according to Weill Medical College of Cornell University.


Laser skin resurfacing

Like a chemical peel, laser skin resurfacing aims to encourage growth of new cells beneath your damaged outer layer, as a means of tuning back the clock. But be prepared for some serious down time -- the UM Health System recommends that you do not return to work two weeks post-op. and have someone around for a day or two to help you out.


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Wear sunglasses

You've been told a thousand times that not wearing sunscreen will leave your skin wrinkly and leathery, but what about the sun's effects on your eyes? Sunglasses can shield your eyes from harsh rays that can induce cataracts and macular degeneration. The cosmetic benefits are plentiful too. "With shades, you'll squint less, helping you keep crow's feet and forehead wrinkles at bay, and you'll protect the delicate skin on the sides of your eyes, just as long as you make sure the shades cover that area as well," says Krupp.


Vitamin Therapy: Beta-Carotene, Vitamin C and E

Simply taking vitamins won't halt the aging process, unless you're taking the ones that have a proven effect on your body. Vitamins A, C, E, and beta-carotene are antioxidants that have the power to protect your skin against harmful free radicals, which are believed to play a role in the aging process, according to the UM Health System. Antioxidants stabilize free radicals, which can develop from a variety of normal metabolic functions in the body or environmental factors, including smoke, smog and the sun. But before you start swallowing handfuls, be aware that an excess of vitamins can be dangerous to your health. Play it safe by taking the daily recommended amount of vitamins by eating foods rich in antioxidants.